Emerging insights on functions of the anthelmintic flubendazole as a repurposed anticancer agent

While flubendazole has been used as a macrofilaricide in humans and animals for some 40 years, work in vitro and in preclinical models over the last decade has suggested its potential use as an anticancer agent. This article reviews recent studies in a range of tumor types indicating novel functions for flubendazole in its control of processes associated with tumor growth, spread and renewal including ferroptosis, autophagy, cancer stem-like cell killing and suppression of intratumoral myeloid-derived suppressor cell accumulation and programmed cell death protein 1. Flubendazole's potential use in clinical oncology will require further understanding of its mechanistic roles, range of inhibition of cancer types, capacity for adjunctive therapy and possible reformulation for enhanced solubility, bioavailability and potency.

Automated summary

While flubendazole has been used as a macrofilaricide for about 40 years, recent studies have indicated its potential use as an anticancer agent by controlling processes associated with tumor growth, spread, and renewal. Further research is needed to understand its mechanistic roles, range of inhibition of cancer types, capacity for adjunctive therapy, and possible reformulation for enhanced solubility, bioavailability, and potency in clinical oncology.